1760 Pub N Grille brings new flavor to enduring landmark

Trexlertown’s big old stone inn at Routes 100 and 222 no doubt has lived many lives since it was built close to three centuries ago. In its latest iteration, 1760 Pub N Grille, the bar and restaurant pays respects to an earlier incarnation.

I still remember it as 1760 House in the 1990s with Revolutionary War-era decor, fine dining and servers in Colonial-style garb. Those are gone, but the establishment remains a good choice for a casual night out that includes good bar fare at decent prices.

Most recently known as Maxx Regal’s, the inn’s transformation to 1760 Pub N Grille came with its purchase by Floyd Grim and Mike Hannah about six months ago.

The bar — with its bank of flat screen TVs — is the oldest part of the building, constructed in 1731 as a log cabin. Even with portions of the log walls visible, the ambience is decidedly contemporary. Twentieth-century hues of gray and red color the dining room, spare of decoration. Neon window beer signs cast their ghostly glow, and a beautiful fireplace (updated with gas, I’m guessing) contributes welcoming warmth, no matter the century.

The 1760 sampler ($13) turned out to be a perfect pub grub starter, super for sharing. Potato skins were loaded with real bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and chopped scallions. Both mozzarella sticks and onion rings had crispy, crispy coatings, and chicken wings with “hot n honey” sauce were layered with spice.

With sauce, onion, American cheese and pickle, a “Philly” cheesesteak ($8) was big on flavor, the beef picking up even more from the sauce, all in a fine roll that brought it together in one tasty package.

A sign of the season, delicious pumpkin roll ($5), made in the restaurant’s kitchen, was just sweet enough.

Under one name or another, the 1760 Bar N Grille has been operating continuously since King George granted its tavern license in 1741. How fortunate that some things, like the Energizer Bunny, just keep on keeping on.

Dinner for two totaled $56, with tax and tip but no alcoholic beverages.

Susan Gottshall is a freelance restaurant reviewer for Go Guide. Gottshall attempts to remain anonymous during restaurant visits. All meals are paid for by The Morning Call.jodi.duckett@mcall.com610-820-6704